Mary Rhoades

Mary Dene Rhoades, a spirited and vivacious soul, departed this life on July 6, 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas, at the age of 89. Born on December 1, 1935, in the small town of Priddy, Texas, Mary was a beacon of passion, love, and kindness throughout her life. She was the cherished matriarch of her family, a role model of resilience and joy, and a friend to all who knew her. She was known to be a little sweet and a little salty.

Mary's journey began as the daughter of Marie and Benhardt Kirsch, and she grew up alongside her siblings Marvin and Joyce. Her life was rich with experiences and achievements. Mary was a dedicated mother to her sons Scott, Curtis, Jerry, and Doug, instilling in them the values of perseverance and love.

Her professional life was marked by her roles as a dietary food supervisor, a private duty caregiver, and a fast line cook at a cafe. Mary also took pride in being part owner of the S-Bar Cafe and in sharing her family's stories as the writer of newspaper articles for their reunions. She was a woman of many talents and interests, she enjoyed crocheting, and she also made amazing quilts, she loved gardening where she particularly adored her pecan trees. She was an avid deer hunter, Mary was also known for her love of dancing, bingo, and game shows, with "Wheel of Fortune" being a favorite.

Mary's zest for life was infectious, and her title as the "Yahtzee Queen" was undisputed. Her laughter and exuberant shouts of "Yahtzee!" were a testament to her fun-loving spirit. She was a culinary artist in her own right, known for her skillet cookies, haystack candy, Martha Washington candy, and perfect peanut brittle. Mary's homemade wine, crafted for special occasions, and was a delightful treat.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Marie and Benhardt; Charlie Author "Tudy" Rhoades; her brother, Marvin; her sister, Joyce; her daughter-in-law, Carol; her grandson-in-law, Billy; her great-granddaughter, Brooklynn; and her great-grandson, Magnus. Her legacy lives through her loving sons and their wives, Scott and Cindy, Curtis and Denise, Jerry, Doug and Marcy; and her adored grandchildren, Kylie, Stephanie, Ashley and Jaime, Taylor, Misty, Kevin and Marcy Leigh, Cody, Joey and Victoria.

Her great-grandchildren, Lucas, Bailey, Bryson, Molly, Brenon, Branson, Braiden, Dyssen, Levi, Pedro, Bristol, Ira, and Mathias, will carry forward her tales of adventure and her recipes for life from the stories told by her four sons. The anticipated arrival of another great-great-granddaughter will add to her lineage, which already includes her treasured great-great-grandchildren, Baustin and Wyatt. Mary's life was a tapestry of moments that touched countless hearts, and her memory will be cherished and celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to be part of her journey.

Mary Dene Rhoades was a woman of indomitable spirit and warmth, whose presence will be profoundly missed but whose influence will continue to inspire those she loved. Her story is one of a life well-lived and a legacy of love that will endure through the generations.

The pallbearers are Joe Walker, Harry Hewitt, Kevin Rhoades, Lucas Taylor, P.J. Jamison, Bryson Rhoades. Honorary pallbearers are Dyssen Rhoades, Levi Rhoades, Brenon Moore, Branson Guelker, Braiden Moore, Cody Merrick, Joey Merrick.

Visitation for Mary Rhoades will be held Wednesday July 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Harrell Funeral Home in Llano, Texas. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday July 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Harrell Funeral Home in Llano, Texas.